Belleview Biltmore rehab plans crumble

BELLEAIR -- Owners of the Belleview Biltmore say hopes of saving it from demolition are dead after an architect who had pledged to renovate the historic landmark missed his Oct. 31 deadline to buy the property.

For more than a year, officials say, Richard Heisenbottle had been trying to raise $200,000 in earnest money to purchase the property from Miami investors Raphael and Daniel Ades. Despite their hesitation, consultant Bob Smithersaid, the Ades brothers had given Heisenbottle a 30-day extension as recently as last month.

"The owners have been exceptionally gracious giving Mr. Heisenbottle multiple extensions to come forward with a viable business deal. He simply hasn't performed," said the Adeses' attorney, Ed Armstrong of Clearwater. "Further, Mr. Heisenbottle agreed in writing that if he did not meet the Oct. 31 deadline that he would cease his interest in the property. It's time to move on."

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